Dame Eileen Atkins, DBE, is one of several famous figures to be given an honorary degree by Oxford this year. The star of numerous films, including Gosford Park and Cold Mountain, as well as hit TV show Upstairs, Downstairs and the BBC drama Cranford, is set to be given the degree of Doctor of Letters.

Professor Geoffrey Hill, one of the most distinguished poets of his generation, will also receive this honour. They are joined by Lord Sainsbury, a minister under Tony Blair and a major donator to the Labour Party, who receives a Degree of Doctor of Civil Law. Justice Stephen Breyer, an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, will receive the same degree.

In addition to this Professor Sir Ian Kershaw, Lord Weidenfeld and Professor Brigitte will also receive honorary degrees. All such degrees are subject to approval by Congregation and if passed will be awarded at Encaenia, the University’s annual honorary degree ceremony, on Wednesday 23 June 2010.